In Craig Case, Regulators Say Campaign Funds Cannot Be Used For Self-Defense in Sex Sting

When former Idaho Senator Larry Craig was caught in 2007 in a sting for attempting to solicit sex in the men’s bathroom at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport, he claimed he was innocent of everything but having a “wide stance.” He eventually pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, but that isn’t the end of his troubles.

Now, Craig is in trouble with the Federal Election Committee for spending campaign cash to defend himself.

Regulators said the campaign money was converted to personal use because Craig’s defense in Minnesota had no connection to his campaign for federal office.

“Mr. Craig used these funds converted from his campaign committee to pay legal expenses he incurred in connection with his arrest, guilty plea, and subsequent efforts to withdraw his guilty plea in Minnesota,” according to the complaint. “These legal costs were not made in connection with his campaign for federal office or for ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in connection with his duties as a senator.”

Regulators added “the expenses … would have existed irrespective of his duties as senator.”

Craig spent over $200,000 in campaign cash in an attempt to defend himself from the charges.